The versatility of heavy copper allows designers to create circuits with various features without sacrificing the integrity of the final product. Furthermore, these features can be connected to standard circuits with minimal restriction. Regardless of the type of heavy copper feature required, the designer and fabricator should discuss the design process, manufacturing tolerances, and fabricator capabilities. Here are a few examples of heavy copper PCB applications:
In the aerospace and military industries, there are strict standards when manufacturing equipment and heavy copper PCBs meet these requirements. To manufacture standard FR4 PCBs, advanced etching and plating technologies must be used. With heavy copper PCBs, the copper layer shrunk significantly. This reduces impedance and the cost of production. In computers, heavy copper is commonly used in motherboards, which are made for high conductivity.
The main concern with heavy copper PCBs is thermal pressure. These boards can handle thermal pressure while minimizing the power budget. Their excellent thermal sinking properties also prevent overheating from causing damage to the device. This is important because overheating can prevent the application from operating. For these reasons, heat sinking properties are measured and tested to minimize power budget waste. If your heavy copper PCB is overheated, your application may fail.
The benefits of heavy copper PCBs are many. Aside from reducing production costs, heavy copper PCBs are more effective in dissipating heat generated by heavy currents. Their low layer count makes them a stable material for various electrical applications. And because heavy copper PCBs are so versatile, they will continue to be used in multiple applications for years. The PCB industry increasingly relies on these materials, and their benefits are limitless.
Some standard fabrication methods used in heavy copper PCB include electroplating and plating. Heavy copper PCB fabrication mainly aims to add copper thickness to the sidewalls and plated holes. These extra copper layers require unique methods. Standard etching techniques produce over-etched margins and uneven edge lines. In addition, the etching process increases the cost of a heavy copper PCB because it requires an enormous amount of heavy copper to be removed.
In conclusion, PCBs are incredibly versatile and have a variety of applications. Heavy copper PCBs are especially useful for high-power and high-heat applications. When choosing a PCB, it is important to consider the needs of the application to ensure that the PCB will be effective. If you need a reliable PCB, then you should consider using a heavy copper PCB.